The medal's obverse bears kneeling American Indian sowing with digging stick; spirits veiling moonlight above. Below, MAN MUST SOW
The reverse bears American Indian seated in solar circle on rainbow holding two ears of corn; fields of ripe corn below. Between corn stalks, TO / REAP; to right, D H / ©
Hord devoted much time to studying ancient and modern Mexican art, spending a full year in Mexico. His choice of a Native American subject came as no surprise to people who knew his work.
In the brochure accompanying the medal Hord wrote:
"The corn planters of America were responsible for the great pre-columbian civilizations and the survival of the early European migrants—hence the Amerindian planting with digging stick in hand on the obverse side. A license was taken in the background— portraying literally 'dark of the moon,' the favorite planting time of our white forebears. The reverse side, the sun above the rainbow, personifies the moisture and heat bringing to fruition the planter's efforts."
This medal was chosen as the 41st issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1950. Itl measures 73mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. Its reported mintage is 725 pieces in bronze and an unknown number of pieces in silver.
References: MACo 1930-001-041, SoM 41